Athletics: Jess Ennis is the star of sporting ‘Oscars’ ceremony

JESSICA ENNIS celebrated an outstanding year for British sport by being crowned Laureus Sportswoman here last night.

Jessica Ennis is only the second woman, with Kelly Holmes to win the award.

Ennis flew into the city where she will defend her Olympic heptathlon gold medal in three years’ time to receive one of the Laureus statuettes, regarded as the Oscars of sport.

She is the first British winner of the title since Kelly Holmes eight years ago and only the second ever.

It was an outstanding awards night for Britain, with Andy Murray taking the World Breakthrough title, the seven British golfers in the Ryder Cup team being part of the Team of the Year and Lord Coe given the Laureus Lifetime Award.

Ennis said: “It’s a wonderful way to end a memorable year.

Double Olympic champ Daley Thompson said that Ennis was one of the many highlights of the Olympics

When you look at the previous winners of these awards, dating back to when they started in 2000, it is humbling.

Jesica Ennis

“To be given a world award is always special and, when you look at the previous winners of these awards, dating back to when they started in 2000, it is humbling.”

Double Olympic champion Daley Thompson, a member of the Laureus World Sports Academy, said: “Jessica’s Olympic performance was majestic.

“She had the weight of the country’s expectations on her shoulders. She was one of the many highlights of an amazing two weeks for British sport.”

Murray won his first Grand Slam, the US Open, plus Olympic gold and silver in the singles and mixed doubles.